Yes, you can open a bank account in the UK, but the rules depend on where you live and your immigration status
You can open a bank account in the UK if you are a British citizen, a permanent resident, or a non-UK national with the right visa. The main barrier is not whether you are allowed to have an account — it is proving your identity and address to the bank's satisfaction. Every bank must verify who you are before they open an account, and they must check that you are not on a sanctions list or wanted by law enforcement.
If you are a UK citizen or have settled status (also called indefinite leave to remain), the process is straightforward. If you are a non-UK national on a temporary visa, you can still open an account, but you will need to show your passport and visa documentation. If you are in the UK without a visa or with a visa that does not permit you to stay, most banks will refuse to open an account for you.
The timeline is usually one to two weeks from application to receiving your debit card, though some banks offer same-day or next-day accounts online. You do not need to visit a branch in person unless the bank asks you to prove your identity face-to-face, which happens less often now.
Key Takeaways
- You need proof of identity (passport or UK driving licence) and proof of address (a utility bill, council tax letter, or tenancy agreement dated within the last three months) to open any bank account.
- Non-UK nationals can open accounts if they hold a valid visa that permits them to stay in the UK, but must provide their passport and visa details during the application.
- Most high street banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander) and online banks (Revolut, Wise, Starling) all offer accounts to may be able to access people, though their requirements and timelines vary slightly.
- If you do not have a fixed address or cannot prove your identity through standard documents, some banks offer basic accounts with looser requirements, though these have spending limits.
- Once your account is open, money can reach it via bank transfer (BACS, Faster Payments, or CHAPS), standing order, or direct debit, usually within one to three working days depending on the method.
What documents you need to bring or upload
Every UK bank requires two things: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. For identity, a UK passport or UK photocard driving licence is the fastest route. If you do not have either, you can use a non-UK passport (with your visa if you are not a UK citizen), a national ID card from an EU or EEA country, or a travel document issued by your home country's government.
For proof of address, the bank will accept a utility bill (gas, electricity, water, or landline), a council tax letter, a tenancy agreement, a mortgage statement, or a letter from your employer or a government body — as long as it shows your name and address and is dated within the last three months. A mobile phone bill or credit card statement usually does not count. If you are homeless or do not have a fixed address, tell the bank before you apply; some offer basic accounts without a proof-of-address requirement, though these come with restrictions.
If you are a non-UK national, you will also need to provide your visa details (the visa number, issue date, and expiry date). Some banks ask you to upload these documents online during the application; others ask you to bring them to a branch or send them by post. Online banks often move faster because they do not require a branch visit.
Which banks accept non-UK nationals and what they require
The major high street banks — Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander — all open accounts for non-UK nationals with valid visas. HSBC and Barclays have dedicated services for expats and international customers, and both have branches in most UK cities. NatWest and Lloyds require you to visit a branch in person to verify your identity if you are a non-UK national, which can add one to two weeks to the process. Santander accepts online applications from non-UK nationals but may ask for additional documentation.
Online banks often have faster processes. Revolut, Wise, and Starling all open accounts for non-UK nationals with valid visas and do not require a branch visit. Revolut and Wise are particularly common among people who move to the UK because they can open accounts in minutes using a video call to verify your identity. Starling takes one to two working days. All three are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), so your money is protected up to £85,000 under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Building societies (like Nationwide, Yorkshire, or Coventry) also open accounts for non-UK nationals, though they tend to be slower than online banks and usually require a branch visit. If you are on a student visa, your university may have a partnership with a specific bank that speeds up the process; check with your international student office.
How long it takes from application to first use
Online banks are fastest. Revolut and Wise can issue a virtual debit card within minutes of approval, which you can use to pay online or withdraw cash at ATMs immediately. A physical card arrives by post within five to ten working days. Starling takes one to two working days to approve and issue a virtual card, with a physical card following within five working days.
High street banks are slower. If you apply online and do not need to visit a branch, approval usually takes three to five working days, and your debit card arrives within seven to ten working days. If the bank asks you to visit a branch to verify your identity in person, add another one to two weeks to the timeline. NatWest and Lloyds often require a branch visit for non-UK nationals, so budget three to four weeks total.
Once your account is open and your debit card arrives, you can use it immediately. Money sent to your account via bank transfer (BACS or Faster Payments) arrives within one to three working days, depending on when the sender's bank processes it. Standing orders and direct debits can be set up as soon as your account is active.
What happens if you cannot prove your address or identity
If you do not have a passport or driving licence, you can use a national ID card, travel document, or non-UK passport. If you do not have any of these, some banks will not open an account for you. However, a few banks offer basic accounts (sometimes called "no-frills" or "foundation" accounts) that require less documentation. Barclays, NatWest, and Lloyds all offer basic accounts with looser identity requirements; you may be able to open one with a letter from a government body (such as a local council or the Home Office) confirming your identity and address.
Basic accounts come with limits: you usually cannot overdraft, and you may not be able to use online banking or set up standing orders. Some basic accounts also have a daily spending cap (often £1,000 or £2,000). These limits exist because the bank has less confidence in your identity, so they are managing their risk. As soon as you can provide full proof of identity and address, you can upgrade to a standard account.
If you are homeless or living in temporary accommodation, tell the bank. Some will accept a letter from a homeless shelter, a hostel, or a local authority confirming that you are resident there. Others will open an account without a proof-of-address requirement if you can prove your identity and explain your situation. This is less common, but it is worth asking.
Bank accounts for people on different types of visa
Student visas, work visas, family visas, and visitor visas all allow you to open a bank account, as long as your visa is valid and has not expired. The bank will check the expiry date on your visa; if it has expired, they will refuse to open an account. If your visa is about to expire but you have applied to extend it, some banks will accept a letter from the Home Office confirming your application while they process your extension.
If you are on a visa that does not permit you to work or stay in the UK (such as a visitor visa), you can still open a bank account. The bank does not check whether you are breaking the terms of your visa; they only check that your visa is valid. However, if you are in the UK without a visa or on a visa that has expired, most banks will refuse to open an account.
If you are waiting for a decision on an asylum claim, you may not be able to open a standard bank account because you do not have a valid visa. However, some banks and building societies offer accounts to asylum seekers; Barclays, NatWest, and Nationwide have specific policies for this. You will need to provide a letter from the Home Office confirming that your claim is being processed, plus proof of your identity and address.
How to move money into your new account
Once your account is open, money can reach it in several ways. A bank transfer (also called a wire transfer) is the most common. If someone in the UK wants to send you money, they need your account number and sort code (a six-digit number that identifies your bank and branch). You can find both on your debit card or in your online banking app. Transfers via BACS (Bankers' Automated Clearing Services) take three working days; transfers via Faster Payments take one to two hours; transfers via CHAPS (Clearing House Automated Payment System) take the same day if sent before 3 p.m.
If you are transferring money from outside the UK, use an international money transfer service such as Wise, OFX, or your home country's bank. These are usually cheaper than asking your bank to do it, because banks charge high fees for international transfers. Wise, for example, charges a small percentage of the amount you send and uses the real exchange rate; a traditional bank transfer can cost £15 to £50 and use a worse exchange rate, so you lose money both ways.
Once your account is open, you can also set up a standing order (a regular payment on a date you choose) or a direct debit (a payment that varies, such as a utility bill). Both take one to two working days to set up and start processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account if I am on a visitor visa?
Yes. A visitor visa is valid, so banks will open an account for you. However, your account may be closed if your visa expires and you do not extend it, because the bank will no longer be able to verify your right to be in the UK. Tell your bank if you are extending your visa so they can update their records.
What if my passport has expired but my visa is still valid?
Most banks will not open an account with an expired passport, even if your visa is valid. You will need to renew your passport first. If you are a non-UK national and your passport is expired, contact your home country's embassy or consulate to renew it before you apply for a bank account.
Do I need a National Insurance number to open a bank account?
No. A National Insurance number is not required to open a bank account. However, if you are working in the UK, your employer will need your National Insurance number to pay you, so you will need to get one before you start work. You can apply for one at the National Insurance number application service.
Can I open an account if I do not have a fixed address yet?
Some banks will open an account without a proof-of-address requirement if you explain your situation. Barclays, NatWest, and Nationwide have policies for people in temporary housing or without a fixed address. You will still need proof of identity. Contact the bank directly and ask about their options for people without a permanent address.
How much money do I need to open an account?
Most UK banks do not require a minimum opening deposit. You can open an account with zero pounds and deposit money later. However, some accounts (such as premium or investment accounts) may require a minimum balance to keep the account active. Standard current accounts have no minimum balance requirement.